Family friendly

You’ll be spending lots of time either trekking through forest parks or climbing up mountains and through adventure parks, so it’s essential that everyone gets a good night’s sleep. The sea and country air will probably be a strong ally in your battle of the night-time wind down, but if that doesn’t work we have plenty of cosy places where you can lay your hat and call home.

Bed-time in Belfast

Belfast has a wealth of top-class hotels for you to choose from and many of them cater very well for children. Jurys Inn (4*), slap bang in the middle of town, has pull-out beds for kids so they can stay close to their carers. All of their restaurants and cafés have menus for kids and there are of course big screens and free wi-fi.

Apart from its proximity to the city centre, Belfast’s Holiday Inn (4*) has great deals for kids, often involving the word free. From a value point of view, this spot is second to none and their staff are extremely helpful and friendly. This is the perfect option for the family who spend most of their time out and about.

For those who want to stay a little away from the hustle of town, the Crowne Plaza (4*) in South Belfast will work wonders. This sleek hotel is calm and relaxing and has dedicated quiet zones for light sleepers. It also has the added advantage of a twenty-metre swimming pool - never a bad thing particularly with kids in tow.

Set in a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood near the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Malone Lodge (4*) offers both hotel and self-catering options. It’s homely, flexible and if you’re going away and coming back, they’ll hold on to your stuff for you - that’s the kind of touch we like around here.

The Cordia Apartments (4*) on the Lisburn Road have 23 places to stay of various shapes and sizes. It’s comfortable and convenient and offers a decent base from which to explore the city.

Sleep deep in the countryside

It’s really once you get outside of the cities that you begin to find the quirkier types of accommodation on offer right across Northern Ireland. The owners of Slemish Barn (3*) in The Braid at the gateway to the Glens of Antrim is a great spot for families. Extremely comfortable rooms include bunk beds and Fusball! What more do you need?

Wear them out then lay them down in Carrowmena

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in Mongolia when you see the teepees and tents laid out on the grounds of the Carrowmena Activity Centre. It’s a bit like the Olympics here. As well as kayaking and canoeing, you’ll learn how to build your own raft. You’ll then get lost in a maze made from... maize and there is a wealth of other climbing activities too.

This spot in Limavady offers great value glamping, camping and big bell tents with great views of Binevenagh Mountain. Let the kids drift off to sleep, they’ll be wrecked, while you relax outside and take in the view with a glass of wine. This might just be a parents’ paradise never mind heaven for the kids!

Sweet dreams in Derry-Londonderry

If you’re staying in Derry-Londonderry, then the City Hotel (4*) is a good bet for your family. These guys regularly have excellent value family deals and that all important pool is also available. Located just outside the famous city walls, it’s the perfect spot to explore the town from.

On Sundays, the Everglades Hotel (4*) just outside the City serves up a Sunday lunch to beat the band. They also have a band and a children’s entertainer between 1pm - 4pm. Even if you’re not staying, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Your little stars will love the Sperrins

In Tyrone, Sperrin View Glamping offers a unique site located at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains and in a prime location recognised as one of Northern Ireland's best Dark Sky Sites. Each pod comes fully equipped with its own kitchenette & shower room and a specially manufactured "viewing window" which allows you to lie in bed and gaze up at the stars.

Erne your sleep and keep in Fermanagh

Lusty Beg Island (4*) is a unique and an utterly charming destination offering the perfect location to relax and unwind. The sense of getting away from it all starts with the five-minute ferry ride across Lough Erne to this natural haven. Set amongst beautiful lake-side woodlands, there is a selection of accommodation including self-catering houses and ensuite bedrooms. There is a restaurant, a retreat spa, an activity centre, nature trail and fairy trail and they even have some tennis courts if you want to hit some aces of your own.

Fans of self-catering will love the offering at Manor House Marine. Their Manor Cottages (3*) on the shores of Lower Lough Erne are located next to the marina and just a short stroll to the beautiful hotel. The chalet style cottages have large panoramic windows with uninterrupted views across the lough. All of which you can enjoy while your family try their hand at boules or golf.

Everyone loves Armagh’s apple country

In days gone by and long before the luxury hotel came to these parts, the Irish countryside was dotted with B&Bs. We are happy to say there are still tonnes of them left and there’s a warm welcome for you at Fairylands (3*) just outside Armagh. What makes this place special? In a word, Maureen. She’s the owner and provider of one the finest Ulster Fries you’re likely to consume.

Get your head down in County Down

There are simple pleasures to be had for all at the self-catering Clonlum Holiday Cottages near Newry. The cottages sleep four to six people and are kitted out with...wait for it...Netflix. Keep that bit of news to yourself for a rainy day. Hopefully you won’t need it because on warm summer evenings, you can fire up the barbecue, sit back and let the kids run wild, as you take in the views of the majestic Slieve Gullion that rises up before you.

You can expect something similar at Kilwarlin Self-Catering Cottages near Hillsborough - two old farm buildings have been lovingly converted into cosy retreats. Not too far away, Drumra Apartment is another option for those who want to look after themselves in comfort.

For that authentic Irish cottage stay, you couldn’t pick better than Kribben Cottages (4*). This group of five white-washed houses sit right under the eye of the Mourne Mountains and really look like something for a living postcard. Opened in 2014 by locals John and Myrtle Haugh, you’ll find plenty of space for playing chase along with a small playground and a good spot to cook your food outdoors.

The Barn at Lisnacurran Country House (4*) is a self-catering gem with a lovely Irish craft polish to its layout. All the older bits - cast iron radiators, wooden floors - add to its sense of comfort. And when you throw in the hot tub and the sauna, as well as the garden play areas for children, you’ve got a unique spot to spend a night or maybe two.

Northern Ireland is famous for its hospitality and it is renowned as a great place for kids to stay. We know you’ll bring your adventurous spirit and you’ll leave with even more.